Social Detective Academy - by Jeffrey Ethan Jessum (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

With Social Detective Academy, Jeff Jessum has made an important breakthrough in the teaching of social skills. The concept of social skills requiring detective work will help children at risk for social issues actively apply the principles for effective social problem solving. This book provides an important new tool for parents, educators and therapists in providing sound practice to practical situations. It will make a great addition to any social skills program striving to teach social cognition to youth on the autism spectrum.

This witty, captivating set of social mystery cases is interactive and full of interesting and helpful information. Readers can try to solve the cases right along with Johnny, the clever social detective. Written for youth, it is a great tool for any child who struggles to relate with peers.

Review Quotes

"Diary of a Social Detective is a wonderful and unique book. It will make a great addition to any social skills program striving to teach social cognition to youth on the autism spectrum. In particular, the social mysteries presented in the book, and the systematic process provided to solve them, show great promise in our efforts to effectively teach perspective taking, social problem solving and knowledge of social rules. I am looking forward to adding it to our 'intervention tool chest' at the Social Skills Research Center."--Scott Bellini, Ph.D., HSPP, director, Social Skills Research Center, research and clinical director, Indiana Resource Center for Autism; author of award-winning Building Social Relationships: A Systematic Approach to Teaching Social Interaction Skills to Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders and Other Social Difficulties

"This witty, captivating set of social mystery cases is interactive and full of interesting and helpful information. Readers can try to solve the cases right along with Johnny, the clever social detective. Written for youth, this book is a great tool for any child who struggles to relate with peers."--Judith Coucouvanis, MA, PMHCNS-BC, University of Michigan; author of Super Skills: A Social Skills Group Program for Children with Asperger Syndrome, High-Functioning Autism and Related Challenges and award-winning The Potty Journey: Guide to Toilet Training Children with Special Needs, Including Autism and Related Disorders

"Engaging! Charming! Funny! Wise! Just 'naughty' enough for all kids to become hooked on Johnny the Strange turned Johnny the Smooth. A must-read for children with social struggles. While enjoying a good story, children learn how to reflect upon themselves as they observe others; how to read body language and social cues; how to deal with bullies and loudmouths. Most important, kids are taught to take responsibility for their impact on others." --Terry Marks-Tarlow, Ph.D., author of Psyche's Veil: Psychotherapy, Fractals and Complexity and Creativity Inside Out

"Jeff Jessum has made an important breakthrough in the teaching of social skills. His creative and imaginative stories incorporating the best practices in social problem solving are compelling, interesting and kid-friendly. The concept of social skills requiring detective work will help children at risk for social issues actively apply the principles for effective social problem solving. This book provides an important new tool for parents, educators and therapists in providing sound practice to practical situations."--Robert Colegrove, Ed.D., psychologist working with children and families; affiliated with Children's Hospital Los Angeles